DIY Network

Grill Fuels Grill Fuels From "Fire Up the Grill" episode DFUG-101

It isn't as simple as just gas or charcoal anymore -- in this segment, we join host April Adams to look at some innovative grill fuels ....

California Wine Chips
To use these aromatic chips with a charcoal grill, just sprinkle a couple handfuls over the coals. They can also be used with smoker trays, gas grills or full-size smokers. The flavor imparted to food is a combination of a mild smokiness and the subtleties of the wine infused with the wood. In short, an all-around new experience.

BBQr's Delight
These "smoking pellets" are made from wood sawdust, which is compressed back into a hard form; the end result resembles rabbit food. Just place a few pellets in the accompanying container -- a small, covered cast-iron bowl -- then drop it into the grill where the fuel rests. Flavors include apple, hickory, mesquite and Jack Daniels.

Cowboy Charcoal
This all-natural charcoal is made from wooden blocks, conserved from the dimension lumber industry, then cooked under high heat into charcoal. The benefit? There's nothing in the mix except ... natural charcoal! Another advantage: it lights in half the time of the traditional briquette, and since it's an all-natural product, so all you get is that nice, wood charcoal flavor when you cook.

Sautee Cedar Company
These planks -- made from maple, alder or cedar -- should be soaked in water for at least an hour, then laid directly on the grill grates. They can be used to cook on any kind of gas or charcoal grill. As the meats, seafood, or vegetables cook, the smoke from the wood flavors the food.